# OVARIAN ENDOCRINE REGULATION

> **NIH NIH R01** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 1994 · $177,045

## Abstract

The ovary is constantly remodeled by differentiation and involution of
substructures. Recent results indicate a unique basis for interaction
between parenchymal and other cells of the ovary and reveal novel mediators
that appear to regulate the lysis and survival of ovarian structures. The
hypothesis is that oxygen radicals serve as mediators of the selective
lysis of ovarian structures, and that these reactive species play a
fundamental role both in ovulation and in the oocyte. This novel
proposition arose directly from recent findings that describe, for the
first time, the unique and potent antigonadotropic and lytic actions of
oxygen radicals in ovarian cells. Other evidence indicates that production
of oxygen radicals, and defensive mechanisms against these reactive
species, occurs in the ovary. Both of these processes appear to be under
endocrine regulation by gonadotropins, and under paracrine control by
cytokines, adenosine, and eicosanoids. The role of antioxidant vitamins (C,
E and A), long known to be present in high levels in the ovary, is also
predicted by this hypothesis. However, these important and novel aspects of
ovarian regulation have not been investigated. This proposal is therefore
focused on the identification of the cellular origin of oxygen radicals in
the ovary, on their nature of action, and processes which regulate their
production, action and degradation. Methods to be used will include cell
culture, and in vivo studies, in addition to analysis of oxygen radicals,
enzymes, and vitamins. Information gained from these studies has manifold
benefits beyond the understanding of interactions between steroidogenic and
other cells of the ovary. This information may reveal new insights into the
etiology of infertility and open therapeutic avenues. An increased
understanding of the etiology of ovarian cancer may also accrue since
oxygen radicals are closely linked to carcinogenesis produced by
uncontrolled production, by redox-cycling xenobiotics, or by inadequate
defenses against these tumor promoters. Finally, we may gain a greater
understanding of the role of antioxidant vitamins in reproduction and in
immune cell processes in general.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2196743
- **Project number:** 5R01HD010718-18
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FL6GV84CKN57
- **Principal Investigator:** HAROLD R BEHRMAN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $177,045
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1977-04-01 → 1995-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2196743

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2196743, OVARIAN ENDOCRINE REGULATION (5R01HD010718-18). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2196743. Licensed CC0.

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